Community Environmental Health

Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it can be toxic to humans and animals. Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Babies and young children can also be more highly exposed to lead because they often put their hands and other objects that can have lead from dust or soil on them into their mouths.

In Indiana, the State Department of Health oversees lead regulations. ISDH provides additional information on Indiana’s lead regulations, testing children’s lead levels, or becoming a licensed or certified lead professional. U.S. EPA provides a national perspective on the dangers of lead hazards.